Ammon – The President of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), Gianni Infantino, on Monday, obtained Lebanese citizenship, after completing the official procedures during his visit to Lebanon.

Infantino held several meetings, and accompanied by his wife, Lina Al-Ashqar, and members of his family, he met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, and in the presence of the President of the Lebanese Football Association, Hashem Haidar.

The Lebanese presidency stated in a statement that Infantino thanked President Aoun for granting him and his family members Lebanese citizenship after completing the official follow-up procedures.

Infantino and Aoun also discussed the project to establish a modern football stadium with international specifications, fully funded by FIFA, to enhance the performance and effectiveness of the Lebanese national team and Lebanese clubs, according to the same source.

Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmed Al-Hajjar also received Infantino and his wife in his office, along with other officials of the Lebanese Football Association.

During the reception, Haider presented Infantino with a Lebanese national team shirt bearing his name and number 9.

Infantino also visited Minister of Youth and Sports Noura Bayrakdarian, and she congratulated him on obtaining Lebanese citizenship, thanked him for the efforts he is making to support Lebanon, especially in building modern facilities, and discussed Lebanese sports ideas and projects.

Infantino holds Swiss and Italian citizenship, and is married to Lebanese Lina Al-Ashqar.